2025 Inspire the Future Grants

The 2025 Inspire the Future Grants are grants from the Austin Ed Fund that fund innovative projects proposed by Austin Independent School District staff to benefit students, staff, and families. All Austin ISD staff are eligible to apply, with priority given to campus-based projects that impact historically underserved students and communities.

Applicants are encouraged to align proposals with three focus areas: college and career readiness, educator experience, and student wellness. Projects outside these categories are still welcome. The 2026 application window is open May 1 through June 19, 2026.

Past funded projects have included esports teams, welding programs for women, teacher mentoring models, and multilevel staff wellness initiatives.

2025 Grant Important Information - Austin Ed Fund 2025 Grant Important Information The grant application window is May 1 – June 19, 2026. Information below. 2026 Application Timeline Award notification & grant agreement Award Disbursement Process Begins *Dates are subject to change.

All Austin ISD staff are eligible to apply. Priority will be awarded to projects that: Are led by campus-based staff and impact students, staff, and families. Impact historically underserved students, staff, and communities.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal for a project that aligns with one of three focus areas. If your project falls outside of these focus areas, no problem! You can still apply.

College and Career Readiness College and Career Readiness helps students and caregivers think about the future by learning different pathways and options, at all stages and ages. Click on the links below to get some inspiration from past College and Career related projects.

ESports Team – Gorzycki MS Women Who Weld – Navarro ECHS Educator experience is a set of perceptions that teachers and staff have about their experiences at work in response to their interactions within the school and/or district culture. Click on the links below to get some inspiration from past Educator Experience related projects. Mentoring Novice Teachers Through a Co-Teaching Model – Winn Montessori School Wings Up, Wellness Up!

– Multilevel Systems of Support for Staff – Akins ECHS Bringing our Mission to Life: Connecting Cafeteria Staff to Sustainability, Global Flavors, and Personal Wellness – AISD Food Services Literacy is the use of spoken and written language to express ourselves, learn about the world, and influence others. Click on the links below to get some inspiration from past Literacy related projects.

ÁVamos a escribir juntos – Houston ES Eastside Battle of the Books – Eastside Early College HS Just Like Me: Obtaining Library Books That Represent Students With Disabilities – AISD Department of Special Education Applications will be reviewed using a common rubric using the following criteria.

Project Description, Evaluation, and Budget Evidence of Tangible Impact Applications are reviewed by staff, teachers, community and Austin Ed Fund board members. Reviewers score applications using the rubric and applications can earn additional points based on certain outreach and equity priorities . Responsibilities of Grant Recipients If you are awarded a grant, congratulations!

We look forward to working with you. Recipients are expected to: Implement proposed projects with current safety protocols as provided by the District and health authorities. Use the awarded funds for the intended purposes.

Evaluate the impact of your project. Fully implement and spend funds within a year following award notification, unless awarded a two-year grant. Complete required reporting: Mid-year brief narrative report by January 31 Final narrative and financial report by June 30 Phone or in-person meeting to showcase and check-in on project during the spring semester.

Keep Austin Ed Fund updated on changes that impact the project, including changes to the lead applicant. Return unused funds to the Austin Ed Fund.